Chicago police detective accused of theft

Tribune illustration

Tribune illustration

Jeremy Gorner and Rosemary Regina SobolTribune reporters

A veteran Chicago police detective has been relieved of police powers after she was charged with misdemeanor theft for trying to take about $200 worth of vitamins from a Lake View grocery on Friday afternoon, according to police and law enforcement sources.

Law enforcement sources identified the female detective as Cherie Hendricks, a 12-year-veteran, who was arrested about 2 p.m. Friday after allegedly stealing the vitamins from the Whole Foods at 3300 N. Ashland Ave., the sources said.

She was charged with misdemeanor theft, according to the sources.

"The member has been relieved of police powers pending the outcome of the investigation," Chicago Police Department News Affairs Officer Daniel O'Brien said.

O'Brien said the officer was arrested Friday and an investigation is under way.

A representative for the grocery was not immediately available to discuss the incident.